Afghan forces kill 27 fighters in 2 days

KABUL, July 1 (Xinhua)-- Units of Afghan security forces killed 27 Taliban fighters and detained nine would-be suicide bombers during series of operations across the conflict-ridden country over the past 24 hours, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.

In the crackdown on Taliban militants, more than two dozen armed insurgents have been killed since Monday, according to the ministry.

"Within the past 24 hours, Afghan army, police and intelligence agency carried out several cleanup operations in Kunar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Balkh, Zabul and Helmand provinces during which 27 armed Taliban rebels have been killed, 21 wounded and six other militants captured," said a ministry statement.

The security personnel have also discovered and seized a number of arms and ammunition including explosive materials.

However, the statement didn't say if there were any casualties on the side of the security forces

Meanwhile, a statement released by the Khost provincial administration on Tuesday claimed the arrest of nine would-be suicide bombers and foiled possible terrorist attacks in the province.

"Acting upon intelligence reports, the security forces raided terrorist hideouts and captured nine suicide bombers from Ismael Khil and Mandozai districts of Khost province over the past two days," the statement of Khost provincial government said.

The arrested would-be suicide bombers, according to the statement, had planned to target several government facilities including the Governor's House and police headquarters in the province.

Security personnel have discovered a number of arms and ammunition including six suicide vests, a rocket propelled grenade, assault rifles and four pieces of border police uniforms from the possession of the arrested suicide bombers.

Taliban militants who have been fighting for the control of southern Helmand province over the past nearly two weeks have yet to make comment.